The headline reads, “T.B. Joshua, Nigerian Celebrity Megachurch Pastor, Dies at 57.” The cause of death is unknown. According to the article, the prosperity gospel prophet with a net worth of between $10 and $15 million was both popular and controversial. He has claimed to heal people of COVID, AIDS and other illnesses. Among other claims, such as being in his mother’s womb for 15 months is his claim that he was prophesied 100 years before his birth. He had millions of television and social media followers, with more than 15000 attending his church services.
While many tributes pour in for T.B. Joshua, some say that his word of faith/prosperity ministry is a fraud and that he is a Word-Faith heretic, a proven false prophet and charlatan. I am fairly certain that there will be others paying T.B. Joshua a less than favourable tribute. A popular and controversial figure, indeed.
I wonder how TB Joshua would have wanted others to remember him?
How did Jesus want to be remembered? How do you remember Him?
How do you want to be remembered? Although you can’t go back rewrite/redo the history of your life, you can, starting now, positively influence the days that lay ahead of you. Have you thought about what, if anything about you, must change in order to create the best possible memory of you?
Up until the time of His death, Jesus was teaching and sharing the Good News, healing the sick, touching the lonely, and helping the poor. What will you be doing at your last minute? Would you encourage people to live like you?
Some big questions are being asked. I pray for courage that we may all find an honest answer.
Sources consulted:The New York Times (06 June 2021), US Sun (06 June 2021), Aljazeera (07 June 2021) and Justin Peters Facebook (08 June 2021).